Firearm sound suppressor

ABSTRACT

A sound suppressor for a firearm includes a housing and an endcap. The housing has a proximal end and a distal end and defines a first central passage extending between the proximal end toward the distal end. The endcap is coupled to the housing. The endcap includes a parabolic-shaped inner surface defining a second central passage configured to fluidly communicate with the first central passage.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a sound suppressor for afirearm, and more particularly to a sound suppressor having one or moreparabolic baffles.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

Sound is generated by numerous sources when a firearm is discharged orotherwise fired. For example, high-temperature and high-pressurepropellant gases escaping and expanding from the muzzle of the firearmcan generate a shockwave that produces a loud muzzle blast. Soundsuppressors are often used with firearms to slow or cool down theescaping propellant gas, thereby reducing the amount of noise (e.g.,sound intensity or volume) generated when the firearm is discharged.Such suppressors often employ baffles, spacers, or packing material toaffect the slowing or cooling down of the escaping propellant gas.

While known firearm sound suppressors have proven acceptable for theirintended purposes, a continuous need for improvement in the relevant artremains.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a sound suppressor for a firearm.The sound suppressor includes a housing and an endcap. The housingincludes a proximal end and a distal end and defines a first centralpassage extending between the proximal end toward and the distal end.The endcap is coupled to the housing and includes an inner surfacedefining a parabolic shape and a second central passage configured tofluidly communicate with the first central passage.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing optional features. In some implementations, the inner surfaceis concentrically disposed about a longitudinal axis and is concave in aplane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The inner surface maybe concave in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.The endcap may include a proximal end defining a first opening and adistal end defining a second opening. The inner surface may beconcentrically disposed about a longitudinal axis. Proximate the distalend of the endcap, the inner surface may be planar in a plane extendingparallel to the longitudinal axis. Proximate the distal end of theendcap the inner surface may be concave in a plane extendingperpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Proximate the proximal end ofthe endcap a portion of the inner surface may define a paraboloid.Proximate the distal end of the endcap a portion of the inner surfacemay define a cylinder.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a sound suppressor for afirearm. The sound suppressor may include a housing and an endcap. Thehousing includes a proximal end and a distal end and defines a firstcentral passage extending between the proximal end and the distal end.The endcap is coupled to the housing and includes an inner surfacedisposed about a longitudinal axis. The inner surface defines a concaveshape in a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The innersurface further defines a second central passage configured to fluidlycommunicate with the first central passage.

Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or moreof the following optional features. In some implementations, the innersurface is concentrically disposed about the longitudinal axis and isconcave in a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. Theinner surface may be concave in a plane extending perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis. The endcap may include a proximal end defining afirst opening and a distal end defining a second opening. The innersurface may be concentrically disposed about a longitudinal axis.Proximate the distal end of the endcap the inner surface may be planarin the plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. Proximate thedistal end of the endcap the inner surface may be concave in a planeextending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Proximate the proximalend of the endcap a portion of the inner surface may define aparaboloid. Proximate the distal end of the endcap a portion of theinner surface may define a cylinder.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a sound suppressor for afirearm. The sound suppressor may include a housing and an end cap. Thehousing may define a first central chamber. The endcap may be coupled tothe housing and include a proximal end and a distal end. The endcap mayfurther includes an inner surface extending between the proximal end andthe distal end and defining a second central passage configured tofluidly communicate with the first central chamber. The inner surfacedefines (i) a paraboloid proximate the proximal end of the endcap and(i) a cylinder proximate the distal end of the endcap.

Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one of moreof the following optional features. In some implementations, theproximal end of the endcap defines a first opening and the distal end ofthe endcap defines a second opening.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a sound suppressor for afirearm. The sound suppressor may include a housing and a first sleeve.The first sleeve is disposed within the housing and includes at leastone axial wire and at least one circumferential wire woven with the atleast one axial wire. The at least one axial wire and the at least onecircumferential wire form a mesh construct defining a plurality ofapertures through the first sleeve.

Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one of moreof the following optional features. In some implementations, the housingis disposed about a central axis. The at least one axial wire may extendin a direction substantially parallel to the central axis, and the atleast one circumferential wire may surround the central axis. The atleast one circumferential wire may define a plurality of undulationsdisposed about the first sleeve. Each aperture may define asubstantially rectangular shape disposed between the at least one axialwire and the at least one circumferential wire.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a sound suppressor for afirearm. The sound suppressor may include a housing and a first sleeve.The housing surrounds a first central chamber. The first sleeve isdisposed within the first central chamber and surrounds a second centralchamber. The first sleeve includes a plurality of wires forming a meshconstruct defining a plurality of apertures in fluid communication withthe first central chamber and the second central chamber.

Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one of moreof the following optional features. In some implementations, the housingis disposed about a central axis. The plurality of wires may include atleast one axial wire extending in a direction substantially parallel tothe central axis, and at least one circumferential wire surrounding thecentral axis. The at least one circumferential wire may define aplurality of undulations disposed about the first sleeve. Each aperturemay define a substantially rectangular shape surrounded by at least oneof the plurality of wires.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected configurations and not all possible implementations, and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm including a sound suppressor inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the sound suppressor of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sound suppressor of FIG. 1 takenthrough the line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of inner sleeves of the sound suppressor ofFIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is an end view of the sound suppressor of FIG. 1 .

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe drawings

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example configurations will now be described more fully with referenceto the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scopeof the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specificdetails are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices,and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations ofthe present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art that specific details need not be employed, that exampleconfigurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that thespecific details and the example configurations should not be construedto limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. Asused herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intendedto include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,”and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence offeatures, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The methodsteps, processes, and operations described herein are not to beconstrued as necessarily requiring their performance in the particularorder discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as anorder of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer,it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to theother element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attachedto,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be nointervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe therelationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion(e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directlyadjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. Theseelements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not belimited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish oneelement, component, region, layer or section from another region, layeror section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical termsdo not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by thecontext. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or sectiondiscussed below could be termed a second element, component, region,layer or section without departing from the teachings of the exampleconfigurations.

With reference to FIGS. 1 , a sound suppressor 10 is shown. As will beexplained in more detail below, the sound suppressor 10 may be coupledto a firearm 12 to reduce the volume of the sound produced by thefirearm during use thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the soundsuppressor 10 may include a housing 14, a proximal endcap 15, one ormore inner sleeves 16, one or more baffles 18, and a distal endcap 24.The housing 14 may extend along a longitudinal axis A1 and include aproximal end 26, a distal end 28, an inner surface 30, and an outersurface 32. The distal end 28 may be opposite the proximal end 26. Thehousing 14 may be formed from one or more of a variety of materials,including, for example, aluminum, steel, or another suitable metalmaterial.

The inner and outer surfaces 30, 32 may surround and extend along thelongitudinal axis A1 from the proximal end 26 to the distal end 28, suchthat the inner surface 30 defines a passage 34 (e.g., a chamber)extending through the housing 14 from the proximal end 26 to the distalend 28. The proximal end 26 of the housing 14 may define an entranceopening 35 (FIG. 3 ), while the distal end 28 of the housing 14 maydefine an exit opening 38. The entrance opening 35 may be in fluidcommunication with the exit opening 38 through the passage 34.

In some implementations, the inner and outer surfaces 30, 32 each definea cylinder or a polygonal (e.g., square or rectangular) prism extendingalong and about the longitudinal axis A1. It will be appreciated,however, that the inner surface 30 or outer surface 32 may define othershapes within the scope of the present disclosure.

A portion of the inner surface 30 or outer surface 32 may include athreaded portion 36 for securing the housing 14 to the endcap 15. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , in some implementations, the outersurface 32 includes a male threaded portion 36 extending from theproximal end 26 along and about the longitudinal axis A1.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing 14 may define a pluralityof perforations or apertures 40 extending through the inner and outersurfaces 30, 32. In some implementations, the apertures 40 define acircular or cylindrical shape extending through the inner and outersurfaces 30, 32. In this regard, the apertures 40 may define a diametergreater than 0.75 millimeters. In particular, the apertures 40 maydefine a diameter greater than 1.0 millimeter. The apertures 40 maycollectively define one or more patterns extending along or about thelongitudinal axis A1. For example, in some implementations, theapertures 40 may collectively define a helical pattern extending fromthe proximal end 26 to the distal end 28. In some implementations, aplurality of groups of the apertures 40 may each collectively define acircle extending about the longitudinal axis A1, such that the pluralityof groups of the apertures 40 collectively define (i) a plurality ofcircular patterns extending about the longitudinal axis A1 and (ii) aplurality of linear patterns extending along (e.g., substantiallyparallel to, such as +/−5 degrees) the longitudinal axis A1.

With reference to FIG. 2 , the endcap 15 may extend along a longitudinalaxis A2 and include a proximal end 44, a distal end 46, an inner surface48, and an outer surface 50. The distal end 46 may be opposite theproximal end 44. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the inner surface 48 maysurround and extend along the longitudinal axis A2 from the proximal end44 toward the distal end 46. Accordingly, the inner surface 48 maydefine a passage 52 (e.g., a chamber) extending through the endcap 15from the proximal end 44 toward the distal end 46. The inner surface 48may include a threaded portion 62 extending from the distal end 46 tothreadingly engage the threaded portion 36 of the housing 14 in theassembled configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4 , the one or more inner sleeves 16 mayinclude a first inner sleeve 16 a and a second inner sleeve 16 b. Asillustrated in FIG. 3 , in the assembled configuration, the first innersleeve 16 a may be disposed within the housing 14, and the second innersleeve 16 b may be disposed within the first inner sleeve 16 a.

The first inner sleeve 16 a may define a hollow construct extendingalong a longitudinal axis A3 and having a proximal end 66, a distal end68, an inner surface 70, and an outer surface 72. In someimplementations, the first inner sleeve 16 a may define a polygonalprism extending along the longitudinal axis A3. The distal end 68 may beopposite the proximal end 66.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the inner surface 70 and the outer surface 72may surround and extend along the longitudinal axis A3 from the proximalend 66 to the distal end 68, such that inner surface 70 defines apassage 74 (e.g., a chamber) extending through the first inner sleeve 16a from the proximal end 66 to the distal end 68. The proximal end 66 ofthe first inner sleeve 16 a may define an entrance opening, while thedistal end 68 of the first inner sleeve 16 a may define an exit opening.In this regard, the entrance opening of the inner sleeve 16 a may be influid communication with the exit opening of the inner sleeve 16 athrough the passage 74.

In some implementations, the inner surface 70 and the outer surface 72each define a plurality of undulations 79 disposed about thelongitudinal axis A3. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , in someimplementations, the undulations 79 define V-shapes or profiles disposedsymmetrically about the longitudinal axis A3. It will be appreciated,however, that the undulations 79 may define other shapes (e.g., U-shape,a square wave shape, etc.) within the scope of the present disclosure.In this regard, the inner surface 70 may define a plurality of innerpeaks 80 and inner troughs 82 corresponding to, or collectivelydefining, minimum and maximum diameters, respectively, of the innersurface 70, while the outer surface 72 may define a plurality of outerpeaks 84 and outer troughs 86 corresponding to, or collectivelydefining, minimum and maximum diameters, respectively, of the outersurface 72. While the inner surface 70 and the outer surface 72 areillustrated to define ten peaks 80, 84 and ten troughs 82, 86, it willbe appreciated that the inner surface 70 and the outer surface 72 maydefine more or less than ten peaks 80, 84 or ten troughs 82, 86 withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

Each inner peak 80 of the inner surface 70 may be aligned with an outertrough 86 of the outer surface 72, while each inner trough 82 of theinner surface 70 may be aligned with an outer peak 84 of the outersurface 72. In some implementations, the inner surface 70 issubstantially parallel (e.g., +/−5 degrees) to the outer surface 72, andeach peak 80, 84 and each trough 82, 86 extends in a directionsubstantially parallel (e.g., +/−5 degrees) to the longitudinal axis A3.It will be appreciated, however, that the inner surface 70 and the outersurface 72 may define other shapes, or one or more of the peaks 80, 84or troughs 82, 86 may extend in a direction transverse (e.g., helical)to the longitudinal axis A3, within the scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first inner sleeve 16 a may beformed from one or more discrete wires 88 woven to form a mesh constructdefining a plurality of apertures 90 extending through the inner surface70 and the outer surface 72. For example, the first inner sleeve 16 amay include one or more wires 88 a extending in the direction of theaxis A3, and one or more wires 88 b extending about the axis A3. In thisregard, the wires 88 a may be disposed in a serpentine manner along theaxis A3, while the wires 88 b may be disposed in a helical manner aboutthe axis A3. Accordingly, the wires 88 a may be referred to herein as“axial wires 88 a,” while the wires 88 b may be referred to herein as“circumferential wires 88 b.”

The apertures 90 may define a maximum dimension D1 (FIG. 4 ) extendingacross the apertures 90. The maximum dimension D1 may be less than 1.0millimeter. In particular, the maximum dimension D1 may be less than0.50 millimeter. In some implementations, the maximum dimension D1 isless than 0.20 millimeter. The thickness of the first inner sleeve 16 a,extending in a direction orthogonal to the maximum dimension D1, may bebetween 100% and 500% of the maximum dimension D1 of the apertures 90.In some implementations, the thickness of the first inner sleeve 16 a isgreater than 500% of the maximum dimension D1 of the apertures 90. Insome implementations, the apertures 90 define a substantiallyrectangular (e.g., square) shape extending through the inner surface 70and the outer surface 72.

The wire(s) 88 a, 88 b may be woven such that the apertures 90collectively define one or more patterns extending along or about thelongitudinal axis A3. For example, in some implementations, a pluralityof groups of the apertures 90 collectively define (i) a plurality ofcircular patterns extending about the longitudinal axis A3 and (ii) aplurality of linear patterns extending along (e.g., substantiallyparallel to, such as +/−5 degrees) the longitudinal axis A3. Thedistance between each aperture 90 and an adjacent aperture 90 may bedefined by a cross-sectional width (e.g., diameter) of the wire(s) 88 a,88 b. In this regard, in some implementations, the distance betweenadjacent apertures 90 is less than 10 millimeters. In someimplementations, the distance between each aperture 90 and an adjacentaperture 90 is less than 5 millimeters. In some implementations, thedistance between each aperture 90 and an adjacent aperture 90 may bebetween 100% and 5000% of the maximum dimension D1 of the apertures 90,such that a collective surface area defined by all of the apertures 90,and extending in a direction substantially orthogonal (e.g., +/−5degrees) to the thickness of the sleeve 16 a, is between thirty percentand fifty percent of the total outer surface area of the sleeve 16 a. Inother words, between thirty percent and fifty percent of the outersurface area of the sleeve 16 a may be defined by the apertures 90,while between fifty percent and seventy percent of the outer surfacearea of the sleeve 16 a may be defined by the wires 88.

The second inner sleeve 16 b may define a hollow construct extendingalong a longitudinal axis A4 and having a proximal end 96, a distal end98, an inner surface 100, and an outer surface 102. The distal end 98may be opposite the proximal end 96. The second inner sleeve 16 b may beformed from one or more of a variety of materials, including, forexample, aluminum, steel, or another suitable metal material.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the inner surface 100 and outer surface 102may surround and extend along the longitudinal axis A4 from the proximalend 96 to the distal end 98, such that the inner surface 100 defines apassage 104 (e.g., a chamber) extending through the second inner sleeve16 b from the proximal end 96 to the distal end 98. The proximal end 96of the second inner sleeve 16 b may define an entrance opening, whilethe distal end 98 of the second inner sleeve 16 b may define an exitopening. In this regard, the entrance opening may be in fluidcommunication with the exit opening through the passage 104.

In some implementations, the inner surface 100 and outer surface 102each define a plurality of undulations 109 disposed about thelongitudinal axis A4. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , in someimplementations, the undulations 109 define U-shapes or profilesdisposed symmetrically about the longitudinal axis A4. It will beappreciated, however, that the undulations 109 may define other shapes(e.g., V-shape, a square wave shape, etc.) within the scope of thepresent disclosure. In this regard, the inner surface 100 may define aplurality of inner peaks 110 and inner troughs 112 corresponding to, orcollectively defining, minimum and maximum diameters, respectively, ofthe inner surface 100, while the outer surface 102 may define aplurality of outer peaks 114 and outer troughs 116 corresponding to, orcollectively defining, minimum and maximum diameters, respectively, ofthe outer surface 102. While the inner surface 100 and outer surface 102are illustrated to define ten peaks 110, 114 and ten troughs 112, 116,it will be appreciated that the inner surface 100 and outer surface 102may define more or less than ten peaks 110, 114 and ten troughs 112, 116within the scope of the present disclosure.

Each inner peak 110 of the inner surface 100 may be aligned with anouter trough 116 of the outer surface 102, while each inner trough 112of the inner surface 100 may be aligned with an outer peak 114 of theouter surface 102. In some implementations, the inner surface 100 issubstantially parallel (e.g., +/−5 degrees) to the outer surface 102,and each peak 110, 114 and each trough 112, 116 extends in a directionsubstantially parallel (e.g., +/−5 degrees) to the longitudinal axis A4.It will be appreciated, however, that the inner surface 100 and outersurface 102 may define other shapes, or one or more of the peaks 110,114 or troughs 112, 116 may extend in a direction transverse (e.g.,helical) to the longitudinal axis A4, within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second inner sleeve 16 b may beformed from one or more discrete wires 120 woven to form a meshconstruct defining a plurality of apertures 122 extending through theinner surface 100 and outer surface 102. For example, the second innersleeve 16 b may include one or more wires 88 a extending in thedirection of the axis A4, and one or more wires 120 b extending aboutthe axis A4. In this regard, the wires 120 may be disposed in aserpentine manner along the axis A4, while the wires 120 b may bedisposed in a helical manner about the axis A4.

The apertures 122 may define a maximum dimension D2 (FIG. 4 ) extendingacross the apertures 122. The maximum dimension D2 may be less than 1.0millimeter. In particular, the maximum dimension D2 may be less than0.50 millimeter. In some implementations, the maximum dimension D2 isless than 0.20 millimeter. The thickness of the second inner sleeve 16b, extending in a direction orthogonal to the maximum dimension D2, maybe between 100% and 500% of the maximum dimension D2 of the apertures122. In some implementations, the thickness of the second inner sleeve16 b is greater than 500% of the maximum dimension D2 of the apertures122. In some implementations, the apertures 122 define a substantiallyrectangular (e.g., square) shape extending through the inner surface 100and outer surface 102.

The wire(s) 120 a, 120 b may be woven such that the apertures 122collectively define one or more patterns extending along or about thelongitudinal axis A4. For example, in some implementations, a pluralityof groups of the apertures 122 collectively define (i) a plurality ofcircular patterns extending about the longitudinal axis A3 and (ii) aplurality of linear patterns extending along (e.g., substantiallyparallel to, such as +/−5 degrees) the longitudinal axis A4. Thedistance between each aperture 122 and an adjacent aperture 122 may bedefined by a cross-sectional width (e.g., diameter) of the wire(s) 120a, 120 b. In this regard, in some implementations, the distance betweenadjacent apertures 122 is less than 10 millimeters. In someimplementations, the distance between each aperture 122 and an adjacentaperture 122 is less than 5 millimeters. In some implementations, thedistance between each aperture 122 and an adjacent aperture 122 may bebetween 100% and 5000% of the maximum dimension D2 of the apertures 122,such that a collective surface area defined by all of the apertures 122,and extending in a direction substantially orthogonal (e.g., +/−5degrees) to the thickness of the sleeve 16 b, is between thirty percentand fifty percent of the total outer surface area of the sleeve 16 b. Inother words, between thirty percent and fifty percent of the outersurface area of the sleeve 16 b may be defined by the apertures 122,while between fifty percent and seventy percent of the outer surfacearea of the sleeve 16 b may be defined by the wires 120.

As previously described, in the assembled configuration, the innersleeves 16 may be disposed within the housing 14. In this regard, themaximum diameter, or other similar cross-sectional dimension, definedcollectively by the outer surface 72, may be less than or equal to thediameter of the inner surface 30 of the housing 14. In someimplementations, the maximum diameter defined collectively by the outersurface 72 may be equal to the diameter of the inner surface 30 of thehousing 14 such that the outer surface 72 of the inner sleeve 16 engagesthe inner surface 30 of the housing 14.

With reference to FIG. 3 , in some implementations, the suppressor 10includes a plurality of the baffles 18 such that the suppressor 10defines (i) a first expansion chamber (e.g., sound-suppressing region126) between a first baffle 18 a and the proximal end 26 of the housing14, (ii) a second sound-suppressing region 128 between the first baffle18 a and a second baffle 18 b, (iii) a third sound-suppressing region130 between the second baffle 18 b and a third baffle 18 c, (iv) afourth sound-suppressing region 132 between the third baffle 18 c and afourth baffle 18 d, and (iv) a fifth sound-suppressing region 134between the fourth baffle 18 d and the distal end 28 of the housing 14.It will be appreciated, however, that the suppressor 10 may include moreor less than four baffles 18, such that the suppressor 10 defines moreor less than five sound-suppressing regions within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

The baffles 18 may each extend along a longitudinal axis A5 and includea proximal portion 136 and a distal portion 137. The proximal portion136 may define a proximal end 138 of the baffle 18, and the distalportion 137 may define a distal end 140 of the baffle 18, opposite theproximal end 138.

The proximal portion 136 may include an inner surface 142 and an outersurface 144, each defining a generally circular cross-sectional shape.While the outer surface 144 is generally shown as defining a circularcross-sectional shape, the outer surface 144 may define othercross-sectional shapes (e.g., square, oval, rectangle, etc.) within thescope of the present disclosure.

The inner surface 142 and the outer surface 144 may surround and extendalong the longitudinal axis A5 from the proximal end 138 toward thedistal portion 137, such that the inner surface 142 and the outersurface 144 define a thickness T1 extending therebetween. In someimplementations, the thickness T1 is uniform from the proximal end 138to the distal portion 137.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the inner surface 142 may define a passage145 (e.g., a chamber) extending through the baffle 18 from the proximalend 138 to the distal portion 137. The baffle 18 may be formed from oneor more of a variety of materials, including, for example, aluminum,steel, or another suitable metal material.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the proximal portion 136 mayinclude a pair of openings 146, 148. In some implementations, a firstopening 146 is disposed in the proximal end 138 of the baffle 18, and asecond opening 148 is disposed proximate the distal portion 137 of thebaffle 18. The second opening 148 may be larger than the first opening146. In some examples, the inner surface 142 may define a parabolicshape extending continuously and uniformly around the axis A5 from thefirst opening 146 toward the second opening 148. In this regard, theinner surface 142 may be concave. In particular, the inner surface 142may define (i) a first concavity in a cross-section taken along a planeextending parallel to the axis A5 (e.g., FIG. 2 ), and (ii) a secondconcavity in a cross-section taken along a plane disposed perpendicularto the axis A5, such that the inner surface 142 defines a paraboloid. Insome implementations, the paraboloid is concentrically disposed aboutthe axis A5.

The inner surface 142 may further define an angle relative to the axisA5. In some implementations, the angle β decreases along the firstconcavity between the proximal end 138 and the distal portion 137. Forexample, the angle β may be between forty degrees and fifty degrees atthe proximal end 138 and between zero degrees and ten degrees at thedistal portion 137. In some implementations, the angle β is forty-fivedegrees at the proximal end 138 and zero degrees at the distal portion137. Accordingly, the inner surface 142 may be substantially planar in across-section taken along a plane extending parallel to the axis A5(e.g., FIG. 3 ) proximate the distal portion 137. In this regard,proximate the proximal end 138, a portion of the inner surface 142 maydefine a paraboloid, while proximate the distal portion 137, a portionof the inner surface 142 may define a circular cylinder.

The distal portion 137 may include an inner surface 150 and an outersurface 152, each defining a generally circular cross-sectional shape.In some implementations, the outer surface 152 defines a cross-sectionalsize that is the same as a cross-sectional size defined by the innersurface 30 of the housing 14. In this regard, while the outer surface152 is generally shown as defining a circular cross-sectional shape, theouter surface 152 may define other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., square,oval, rectangle, etc.) within the scope of the present disclosure.

The inner surface 150 and the outer surface 152 may surround and extendalong the longitudinal axis A5 from the distal end 140 toward theproximal portion 136, such that the inner surface 150 and the outersurface 152 define a thickness T2 extending therebetween. In someimplementations, the thickness T2 is uniform from the distal end 140 tothe proximal portion 136. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the inner surface150 may define a passage 154 extending through the distal portion 137from the distal end 140 to the proximal portion 136.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the distal portion 137 mayinclude a pair of openings 156, 158. In some implementations, a firstopening 156 is disposed adjacent the opening 146, and a second opening158 is disposed in the distal end 140 of the baffle 18. The passage 154may be in fluid communication with the passage 145 through the openings148, 156. In some examples, the inner surface 150 defines a circularcylindrical shape extending continuously and uniformly around the axisA5 from the first opening 156 to the second opening 158.

The baffle 18 may further include a shoulder 160 disposed between theproximal portion 136 and the distal portion 137. In someimplementations, the shoulder 160 extends about the baffle 18. In thisregard, the shoulder 160 may include a surface 162 extending from theouter surface 144 of the proximal portion 136 to the outer surface 152of the distal portion 137 and surrounding the baffle 18. As illustratedin FIG. 3 , the surface 162 may extending radially outward relative tothe axis A5. As will be described in more detail below, in the assembledconfiguration, the proximal end 138 of one of the baffles 18 (e.g.,baffle 18 a) may engage one of the sleeves 16 (e.g., sleeve 16 b), whilethe distal end 140 of one or more of the baffles 18 (e.g., baffle 18 a)may engage the surface 162 of an adjacent baffle 18 (e.g., baffle 18 b).

With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 , the endcap 24 may extend along alongitudinal axis A6 and may include a baffle 166 and a skirt 168. Inthis regard, the baffle 166 may include a proximal end 170, a distal end172, an inner surface 174, and an outer surface 176. The inner surface174 and outer surface 176 may extend from the proximal end 170 to thedistal end 172 and surround the axis A6.

The skirt 168 may include a radially-extending portion 178 and anaxially-extending portion 180. The radially-extending portion 178 mayextend from the baffle 166 to the axially-extending portion 180, suchthat the radially-extending portion 178, the baffle 166, and theaxially-extending portion 180 collectively define a chamber 182 thatreceives the distal end 140 of the housing 14 in the assembledconfiguration. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , in theassembled configuration, a portion of the housing 14 may be disposedwithin the endcap 24 such that the skirt 168 surrounds a portion of thehousing 14 and a portion of the housing 14 surrounds a portion of thebaffle 166. In some implementations, the housing 14 is secured to theskirt 168 by welding, friction fit, or other suitable fasteningtechnique. In other implementations, the endcap 24 may be formedintegrally and/or monolithically with the housing 14, such that theendcap 24 and the housing 14 define a unitary construct.

With continued reference to FIG. 3 , the endcap 24 may include a pair ofopenings 184, 186. In some implementations, a first opening 184 isdisposed in the proximal end 170 of the endcap 24, and a second opening186 is disposed in the distal end 172 of the endcap 24. The secondopening 186 may be larger than the first opening 184. In some examples,the inner surface 174 of the endcap 24 may define a parabolic shapeextending continuously and uniformly around the axis A6 from the firstopening 184 toward the second opening 186. In this regard, the innersurface 174 may be concave. In particular, the inner surface 174 maydefine (i) a first concavity C1 in a cross-section taken along a planeextending parallel to the axis A6 (e.g., FIG. 3 ), and (ii) a secondconcavity C2 in a plane disposed perpendicular to the axis A6 (e.g.,FIG. 5 ), such that the inner surface 174 defines a paraboloid. In someimplementations, the paraboloid is concentrically disposed about theaxis A6.

The inner surface 174 may further define an angle α relative to the axisA6. In some implementations, the angle α decreases along the firstconcavity C1 between the proximal end 170 and the distal end 172. Forexample, the angle α may be between forty degrees and fifty degrees atthe proximal end 170 and between zero degrees and ten degrees at thedistal end 172. In some implementations, the angle α is forty-fivedegrees at the proximal end 170 and zero degrees at the distal end 172.Accordingly, the inner surface 174 may be substantially planar in across-section taken along a plane extending parallel to the axis A5(e.g., FIG. 3 .) proximate the distal end 172. In this regard, proximatethe proximal end 170, a portion of the inner surface 174 may define aparaboloid, while proximate the distal end 172, a portion of the innersurface 174 may define a circular cylinder. As will be described in moredetail below, the configuration (e.g., shape) of the inner surface 174may direct the soundwaves produced by the firearm in a direction that isparallel to the axis A6.

The skirt 168 (e.g., the radially-extending portion 178) may furtherdefine a plurality of passages 188 extending through the distal end 172.In some implementations, the passages 188 extend in a directionsubstantially parallel (e.g., +/−5 degrees) to the axis A6 through thedistal end 172, such that the passages 188 are in fluid communicationwith the passage 34 of the housing 14.

In some implementations, the baffle 166 includes a plurality of passages190. The passages 190 may extend through the inner surface 174 and outersurface 176, such that the passages 190 are in fluid communication withthe passage 34 of the housing 14. In some implementations, each passage190 is defined by a respective surface 192 that extends in a directionsubstantially perpendicular (e.g., +/−5 degrees) to portions of theinner surface 174 and/or outer surface 176 that surround the surface192. While the passages 190 are generally shown as defining acylindrical shape, and forming a circular shape in the inner surface 174and outer surface 176, it will be appreciated that the passages 190 maydefine, and/or otherwise form, other shapes within the scope of thepresent disclosure. As will be described in more detail below, theconfiguration (e.g., shape) of the inner surface 174 and the passages190 may direct the soundwaves produced by the firearm in a directionthat is transverse to the axis A5.

With reference to FIG. 2 , in an assembled configuration, the baffles 18may be coupled to the housing 14. For example, in some implementations,the baffles 18 are disposed within the passage 34 of the housing 14. Inparticular, each baffle 18 may be secured within the passage in afriction-fit arrangement or by utilizing other suitable fasteningsystems (e.g., adhesive, welding, mechanical fasteners, etc.). In thisregard, in the assembled configuration, the outer surface 152 of thebaffle 18 may engage the inner surface 30 of the housing 14.

In use, a bullet or other projectile may be discharged from the firearm12, producing high pressure gas and generating a sound. High pressuregas may exit the barrel of the firearm and pass through the soundsuppressor 10. In addition, the bullet may produce a shockwave thatpropagates, downstream of the bullet, in a direction transverse to thedirection in which the bullet is travelling. As the high pressure gasand shockwave pass through the sound suppressor 10, the configurationand arrangement (e.g., relative size, shape, location, quantity,orientation, material, etc.), as described herein, of the housing 14,the sleeves 16, the baffles 18 and the endcap 24 can help to reduce thevolume of sound generated by the firearm 12. For example, the parabolicshape of the inner surfaces 142, 174 of the baffles 18 and the endcap24, respectively, allows the shockwave produced by the firearm to bedirected out of the firearm in a forward direction parallel to the axisA6, while the mesh construct of the sleeves 16 a, 16 b absorbs andreduces the volume of sound produced by the shockwave. As the soundwavesexit the firearm 12 they may travel approximately 1 to 5 centimeters inthe direction parallel to the axis A6, before radially expanding. Bypreventing the soundwaves from radially expanding immediately upon exitfrom the firearm or the suppressor 10, the volume of the sound producedby the firearm 12 is reduced. In addition, as the bullet discharged bythe firearm 12 passes through the suppressor 10, the shockwave trailingthe bullet may pass through the passages 188, 190 formed through theendcap 24, further reducing the volume of the sound produced by thefirearm.

The heat energy generated by the friction of the gas flowing through thesuppressor 10, is absorbed by the sleeves 16, thereby reducing thetemperature and the pressure of the gas flowing through the suppressor10. As the pressure of the gas flowing through the suppressor 10 isreduced, the volume of the sound generated by the gas flowing throughthe exit opening 184 of the endcap 24 is reduced. For example, theconfiguration of the suppressor 10 described herein may reduce thevolume of the sound generated by the gas flowing through the exitopening 184 upon the firing or discharging of the firearm by more than30 decibels. In some implementations, the configuration of thesuppressor 10 described herein may reduce the volume of the soundgenerated by the gas flowing through the exit opening 184 upon thefiring or discharging of the firearm by more than 40 decibels.

The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for a soundsuppressor for a firearm, as described above.

Clause 1: A sound suppressor for a firearm, the sound suppressorcomprising: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end anddefining a first central passage extending between the proximal endtoward and the distal end; and an endcap coupled to the housing andincluding an inner surface defining a parabolic shape and a secondcentral passage configured to fluidly communicate with the first centralpassage.

Clause 2: The sound suppressor of Clause 1, wherein the inner surface isconcentrically disposed about a longitudinal axis and is concave in aplane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Clause 3: The sound suppressor of Clause 2, wherein the inner surface isconcave in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Clause 4: The sound suppressor of any of Clauses 1 through 3, whereinthe endcap includes a proximal end defining a first opening and a distalend defining a second opening.

Clause 5: The sound suppressor of Clause 4, wherein the inner surface isconcentrically disposed about a longitudinal axis and proximate thedistal end of the endcap the inner surface is planar in a planeextending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Clause 6: The sound suppressor of Clause 5, wherein proximate the distalend of the endcap the inner surface is concave in a plane extendingperpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Clause 7: The sound suppressor of any of Clauses 4 through 6, whereinproximate the proximal end of the endcap a portion of the inner surfacedefines a paraboloid, and proximate the distal end of the endcap aportion of the inner surface defines a cylinder.

Clause 8: A sound suppressor for a firearm, the sound suppressorcomprising: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end anddefining a first central passage extending between the proximal end andthe distal end; and an endcap coupled to the housing and including aninner surface disposed about a longitudinal axis, the inner surfacedefining a concave shape in a plane extending parallel to thelongitudinal axis, the inner surface further defining a second centralpassage configured to fluidly communicate with the first centralpassage.

Clause 9: The sound suppressor of Clause 8, wherein the inner surface isconcentrically disposed about the longitudinal axis and is concave in aplane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Clause 10: The sound suppressor of Clause 9, wherein the inner surfaceis concave in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Clause 11: The sound suppressor of any of Clauses 8 through 10, whereinthe endcap includes a proximal end defining a first opening and a distalend defining a second opening.

Clause 12: The sound suppressor of Clause 11, wherein the inner surfaceis concentrically disposed about a longitudinal axis and proximate thedistal end of the endcap the inner surface is planar in the planeextending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Clause 13: The sound suppressor of Clause 12, wherein proximate thedistal end of the endcap the inner surface is concave in a planeextending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Clause 14: The sound suppressor of any of Clauses 11 through 13, whereinproximate the proximal end of the endcap a portion of the inner surfacedefines a paraboloid, and proximate the distal end of the endcap aportion of the inner surface defines a cylinder.

Clause 15: A sound suppressor for a firearm, the sound suppressorcomprising: a housing defining a first central chamber; and an endcapcoupled to the housing and having a proximal end and a distal end, theendcap further including an inner surface extending between the proximalend and the distal end and defining a second central passage configuredto fluidly communicate with the first central chamber, the inner surfacedefining (i) a paraboloid proximate the proximal end of the endcap and(i) a cylinder proximate the distal end of the endcap.

Clause 16: The sound suppressor of Clause 15, wherein the proximal endof the endcap defines a first opening and the distal end of the endcapdefines a second opening.

Clause 17: A sound suppressor for a firearm, the sound suppressorcomprising: a housing; and a first sleeve disposed within the housing,the first sleeve including at least one axial wire and at least onecircumferential wire woven with the at least one axial wire, the atleast one axial wire and the at least one circumferential wire forming amesh construct defining a plurality of apertures through the firstsleeve.

Clause 18: The sound suppressor of Clause 17, wherein the housing isdisposed about a central axis, and wherein the at least one axial wireextends in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis, andthe at least one circumferential wire surrounds the central axis.

Clause 19: The sound suppressor of Clause 18, wherein the at least onecircumferential wire defines a plurality of undulations disposed aboutthe first sleeve.

Clause 20: The sound suppressor of any of Clauses 17 through 19, whereineach aperture defines a substantially rectangular shape disposed betweenthe at least one axial wire and the at least one circumferential wire.

Clause 21: A sound suppressor for a firearm, the sound suppressorcomprising: a housing surrounding a first central chamber; and a firstsleeve disposed within the first central chamber and surrounding asecond central chamber, the first sleeve including a plurality of wiresforming a mesh construct defining a plurality of apertures in fluidcommunication with the first central chamber and the second centralchamber.

Clause 22: The sound suppressor of Clause 21, wherein the housing isdisposed about a central axis, and wherein the plurality of wiresincludes at least one axial wire extending in a direction substantiallyparallel to the central axis, and at least one circumferential wiresurrounding the central axis.

Clause 23: The sound suppressor of Clause 22, wherein the at least onecircumferential wire defines a plurality of undulations disposed aboutthe first sleeve.

Clause 24: The sound suppressor of any of Clauses 21 through 23, whereineach aperture defines a substantially rectangular shape surrounded by atleast one of the plurality of wires.

The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustrationand description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure. Individual elements or features of a particularconfiguration are generally not limited to that particularconfiguration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can beused in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown ordescribed. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sound suppressor for a firearm, the soundsuppressor comprising: a housing having a proximal end and a distal endand defining a first central passage extending between the proximal endtoward and the distal end; and an endcap coupled to the housing andincluding an inner surface defining a parabolic shape and a secondcentral passage configured to fluidly communicate with the first centralpassage.
 2. The sound suppressor of claim 1, wherein the inner surfaceis concentrically disposed about a longitudinal axis and is concave in aplane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 3. The soundsuppressor of claim 2, wherein the inner surface is concave in a planeextending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 4. The soundsuppressor of claim 1, wherein the endcap includes a proximal enddefining a first opening and a distal end defining a second opening. 5.The sound suppressor of claim 4, wherein the inner surface isconcentrically disposed about a longitudinal axis and proximate thedistal end of the endcap the inner surface is planar in a planeextending parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 6. The sound suppressor ofclaim 5, wherein proximate the distal end of the endcap the innersurface is concave in a plane extending perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis.
 7. The sound suppressor of claim 4, wherein proximatethe proximal end of the endcap a portion of the inner surface defines aparaboloid, and proximate the distal end of the endcap a portion of theinner surface defines a cylinder.
 8. A sound suppressor for a firearm,the sound suppressor comprising: a housing having a proximal end and adistal end and defining a first central passage extending between theproximal end and the distal end; and an endcap coupled to the housingand including an inner surface disposed about a longitudinal axis, theinner surface defining a concave shape in a plane extending parallel tothe longitudinal axis, the inner surface further defining a secondcentral passage configured to fluidly communicate with the first centralpassage.
 9. The sound suppressor of claim 8, wherein the inner surfaceis concentrically disposed about the longitudinal axis and is concave ina plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 10. The soundsuppressor of claim 9, wherein the inner surface is concave in a planeextending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 11. The soundsuppressor of claim 8, wherein the endcap includes a proximal enddefining a first opening and a distal end defining a second opening. 12.The sound suppressor of claim 11, wherein the inner surface isconcentrically disposed about a longitudinal axis and proximate thedistal end of the endcap the inner surface is planar in the planeextending parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 13. The sound suppressor ofclaim 12, wherein proximate the distal end of the endcap the innersurface is concave in a plane extending perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis.
 14. The sound suppressor of claim 11, whereinproximate the proximal end of the endcap a portion of the inner surfacedefines a paraboloid, and proximate the distal end of the endcap aportion of the inner surface defines a cylinder.
 15. A sound suppressorfor a firearm, the sound suppressor comprising: a housing defining afirst central chamber; and an endcap coupled to the housing and having aproximal end and a distal end, the endcap further including an innersurface extending between the proximal end and the distal end anddefining a second central passage configured to fluidly communicate withthe first central chamber, the inner surface defining (i) a paraboloidproximate the proximal end of the endcap and (i) a cylinder proximatethe distal end of the endcap.
 16. The sound suppressor of claim 15,wherein the proximal end of the endcap defines a first opening and thedistal end of the endcap defines a second opening.
 17. A soundsuppressor for a firearm, the sound suppressor comprising: a housing;and a first sleeve disposed within the housing, the first sleeveincluding at least one axial wire and at least one circumferential wirewoven with the at least one axial wire, the at least one axial wire andthe at least one circumferential wire forming a mesh construct defininga plurality of apertures through the first sleeve.
 18. The soundsuppressor of claim 17, wherein the housing is disposed about a centralaxis, and wherein the at least one axial wire extends in a directionsubstantially parallel to the central axis, and the at least onecircumferential wire surrounds the central axis.
 19. The soundsuppressor of claim 18, wherein the at least one circumferential wiredefines a plurality of undulations disposed about the first sleeve. 20.The sound suppressor of claim 17, wherein each aperture defines asubstantially rectangular shape disposed between the at least one axialwire and the at least one circumferential wire.
 21. A sound suppressorfor a firearm, the sound suppressor comprising: a housing surrounding afirst central chamber; and a first sleeve disposed within the firstcentral chamber and surrounding a second central chamber, the firstsleeve including a plurality of wires forming a mesh construct defininga plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the first centralchamber and the second central chamber.
 22. The sound suppressor ofclaim 21, wherein the housing is disposed about a central axis, andwherein the plurality of wires includes at least one axial wireextending in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis, andat least one circumferential wire surrounding the central axis.
 23. Thesound suppressor of claim 22, wherein the at least one circumferentialwire defines a plurality of undulations disposed about the first sleeve.24. The sound suppressor of claim 21, wherein each aperture defines asubstantially rectangular shape surrounded by at least one of theplurality of wires.